🌵 How to Create a Trust in Arizona (2025 Guide)

Arizona residents use trusts every day to avoid probate, protect property, and pass on wealth smoothly — without spending thousands on attorneys. If you're ready to secure your legacy, this guide will show you exactly how to build a legal trust in Arizona — step by step.

🔎 What Is a Trust?

A trust is a legal document that lets you transfer your assets to someone else (the trustee) to hold and manage for someone else (your beneficiaries).

The most popular in Arizona is the Revocable Living Trust, which allows you to:

• Avoid probate (Arizona probate can be lengthy and expensive)

• Stay in full control of your assets while you're alive

• Plan for medical incapacity

• Pass on your estate privately and efficiently

📍 Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Trust in Arizona

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Choose the Type of Trust You Need

Start with:
✅ Revocable Living Trust (most flexible and popular)
Other types include:
☐ Minor’s Trust
☐ Special Needs Trust
☐ Spendthrift Trust
☐ Dynasty Trust (multi-generational)

✅ TrustGenie includes all of these in its platform.

2. Name the Key Roles

☐ Grantor – You, the person creating the trust
☐ Trustee – The person who will manage the trust (often also you)
☐ Successor Trustee – The person who takes over if you’re unable to manage the trust
☐ Beneficiaries – The people or organizations receiving your assets

3. List Your Assets

You can include:
☐ Arizona real estate (home, land, rental property)
☐ Bank and credit union accounts
☐ Investment and retirement accounts
☐ Vehicles
☐ Life insurance (optional)
☐ Jewelry, art, and personal valuables
☐ Business interests (LLCs, partnerships, corporations)

✅ TrustGenie provides a Schedule A template for this step.

4. Sign the Trust (Arizona Requirements)

• The trust must be in writing

• Signed and dated by the grantor

• Notarization is recommended, though not required

• Witnesses are not required by law in Arizona

✅ TrustGenie includes step-by-step signing instructions.

5. Fund the Trust (Don’t Skip This)

This makes the trust legally effective.

☐ File a Trust Transfer Deed or Warranty Deed for real estate with your Arizona County Recorder
☐ Change title on bank and brokerage accounts
☐ Use a General Assignment of Personal Property for valuables and household items
☐ Update insurance and annuity beneficiary designations (optional)
☐ Keep records of every transfer

🚨 An unfunded trust will not avoid probate.

⚠️ Arizona-Specific Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Not funding the trust after signing it
❌ Failing to name a successor trustee
❌ Forgetting to transfer real estate (this is the #1 missed step)
❌ Leaving minor children direct assets (use a Minor Trust instead)
❌ Using a trust not tailored to Arizona’s legal structure

💰 Cost of Creating a Trust in Arizona

OptionCostArizona Estate Attorney$2,000 – $5,000+Generic Online Template$100 – $400TrustGenie All-In-One Plan$150/year (includes AZ-specific forms + deed help)

🧠 Can I Create My Own Trust in Arizona?

Yes — Arizona law allows you to create a valid trust without a lawyer, if:

• It is in writing

• Signed and dated by the grantor

• Names a trustee, beneficiary, and trust purpose

• Is properly funded

✅ TrustGenie handles every requirement with pre-filled forms, deed support, and real instructions.

📎 Download: Arizona Trust Checklist

This free printable checklist includes:

• All signing and funding steps

• Required documents

• Common asset transfer instructions

• Tips for keeping your trust updated

📥 [Download the Arizona Trust Checklist]

✅ Ready to Start Your Arizona Trust?

Join thousands of Arizonans using TrustGenie to protect their estate the smart way.

👉 [Create Your Arizona Trust – $150/year Plan]

🔗 Related Posts:

• [How to Avoid Probate in Arizona]

• [Arizona Warranty Deed vs. Quitclaim Deed]

• [How to Add a Home to a Trust in Arizona]

✍️ Written by:

TrustGenie Legal Team
Helping Arizona families protect their future — affordably and legally.